Nigeria is in the quarter-finals of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The “Super Eagles” gave outsiders Mozambique no chance with a 4-0 (2-0) win in rainy Fes.
The goals for the always superior West Africans were scored by Ademola Lookman (20th), Victor Osimhen twice (25th, 47th) and Akor Adams (75th). In the quarter-finals, the “Super Eagles” will face the winner of the game between Algeria and DR Congo.
Nigeria starts like the fire department
Favorite victories have characterized the previous round of 16 games at the Africa Cup. Nigeria didn’t want to be left behind and started the game against outsiders Mozambique with a lot of momentum. And the ball was actually in the Southeast Africans’ goal after less than two minutes of play. Victor Osimhen scored from close range. But Nigeria’s star striker was just offside.
In general, the attacker from Galatasaray Istanbul initially attracted attention. Because after months of wearing a face mask, the 27-year-old went topless again for the first time. But when the rainy weather in Fes was again terrible, the “Super Eagles” stuck with it. They played forward with determination and kept the tempo high. Ademola Lookman kept pushing, Osimhen spun further forward. Mozambique, where German fourth division player Stanley Ratifo (Chemie Leipzig) only sat on the bench this time, was barely able to break free.
Lookman and Osimhen put Nigeria on track
The lead was only a matter of time – in the 20th minute the time had come: Akor Adams set up an exemplary set-up from the left for Lookman, who only had to hold out his foot in the center – the score was 1-0. Nigeria has a lot to offer on the offensive, as the outsiders found out the hard way on this rainy evening.
Ten minutes after the 1-0 the second goal: Again it went from the left, this time Lookman had stolen into the outside position. His cross was found by Osimhen, who – now wearing a mask again – was able to easily make it 2-0 from five meters.
Lookman is unstoppable
It was a class difference. Which was reflected on the scoreboard again after the break. The unstoppable Lookman devoured two opponents on the left side and made an exemplary cross from the baseline – making it 3-0 was a very easy task for Osimhen – it was the striker’s third goal of the tournament (47th).
Nigeria, which had to tremble in the group stage after taking a 3-0 lead against Tunisia and only won 3-2, remained confident this time. And Akor Adams was also able to celebrate again at the end. The 25-year-old from Sevilla FC sank the ball from a half-right position in the 75th minute to make it 4-0.